With the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, approaching, Russia is exploring the possibility of organizing its own parallel international tournament for national teams like Bulgaria that have not qualified for the official event. The initiative, described by several European and South American media outlets as a “World Cup for the Excluded”, aims to maintain media attention for Russian football while putting political pressure on FIFA, with the ultimate goal of paving the way for the country’s return to the world stage.
“The World Cup for the Excluded”
Russia has remained excluded from international tournaments since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian clubs and the national team continue to operate in a regional “football bubble”, playing friendly matches without global exposure or official recognition. The ban, backed by FIFA and UEFA, has cut off access to major tournaments and the associated revenue.
Russia has reportedly contacted the federations of Serbia, Greece, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Nigeria, Cameroon and China about their participation. Chilean radio station ADN Deportes confirmed that the Russian Football Federation is actively planning the event, possibly even hosting matches in cities in the United States – a symbolic provocation given that the official World Cup will also be held in North America.
Although logistical and diplomatic challenges remain, particularly with restrictions on entry for some teams into the United States, Russian officials remain optimistic that geopolitical developments could allow the project to proceed in some form. Analysts note that beyond sport, the plan reflects Moscow’s use of football as a tool for soft power and international diplomacy.
If realized, this “World Cup for the Excluded” would be an unprecedented parallel sporting event that highlights the growing intersection of geopolitics and global football. Such a format would also give Bulgaria a chance to participate. Meanwhile, the general secretary of the Russian Football Union, Maxim Mitrofanov, said at the end of November that the country’s return to tournaments under the auspices of FIFA and UEFA was impossible.
Illustrative Photo by Ilya Sobolev: https://www.pexels.com/photo/drone-shot-of-nizhny-novgorod-stadium-in-russia-12003253/
